Which background should I get for my UK starter kit?

[Bagpuss]

I'mthisclose to having my form filled in. It's been sooooo frustrating as I couldn't get to look at the catty properly until this evening and it's been online A WHOLE DAY! :o

Anyway, I'm going for Rich Regals and the follow stamp sets:

• Roses in Winter
• Lovely as a Tree
• Cheers to You (a UK set with wine/beer/champagne glasses)
• Watercolour Vine jumbo wheel
• ------ a background stamp -------

(Don't panic about the lack of greetings set - I already have some.)

I love background stamps so plan to get one - but should it be Sanded, En Francais or Paisley? As I type, I know what you are all going to say... but I don't really like the Paisley that much. :oops: So, if you must vote Paisley, please sell me on it!!! With links to samples if you like! ;)

[Bagpuss]

I voted "don't know/other" to save me the very minor hassle of clicking "view poll results" every time I visit the thread.

[clairee]

I voted for 'En Francais', assuming that you haven't already got 'French Script' but it's a close call between some of them. What do you think of the catty? I was thinking of signing up as a hobby demo (as I don't know any other stampers), but nearly everything on my wish list isn't included in the catalogue. Standing in the sulky corner now, and lots of dithering in the near future methinks!! Have fun with your kit

[Bagpuss]

Quote:

Originally Posted by clairee

I voted for 'En Francais', assuming that you haven't already got 'French Script' but it's a close call between some of them. What do you think of the catty? I was thinking of signing up as a hobby demo (as I don't know any other stampers), but nearly everything on my wish list isn't included in the catalogue. Standing in the sulky corner now, and lots of dithering in the near future methinks!! Have fun with your kit

I felt like that this morning but now I've had a proper browse, I'm really happy with my choices. I don't know many other crafters - and one of them is signing up under me anyway - but I'm giving it a go. If it doesn't work out, the worst case scenario is that I'll have no customers but a shed load of stamp sets! And that's not really that bad a scenario, is it? ;)

[sassyat30]

I voted Sanded.

[Bagpuss]

Well I love Sanded... but am leaning towards En Francais at the moment. Will check back in the morning and see how the poll has gone. I can't promise to go with the majority verdict though! ;)

[coffeeaddictsam]

I voted en-Francais because I know you will end up with all of them!

[KayInFL]

Ooh,ooh sanded! But then, I just love that distressed look so I guess it all depends on your style.

Good luck with your new business!

[RockyMountainStamper]

I voted Sanded for the Versatility factor. You can dress it up or down depending on the card and that look is very in right now.

Good luck with your decision!

[emmiestamps]

I voted for 'En Francais'

[Anemone]

If they are in the UK catty, Canvas or Linen. If those aren't available, En Francais.

[RachelAM]

Sanded is just so versatile. And I love the distressed look!

[jtax]

they are all great and you will eventually want/get them all (and more!) I'm sure. I voted for En Francais.

[bwstamper]

I think En Francais is best with the stamp sets that you have chosen.

[gaylestamps]

I said any, but if you have the option of the Print Pattern (harlequin) I think that is the most versatile because it works for florals AND for masculine cards.

[Bagpuss]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anemone

If they are in the UK catty, Canvas or Linen. If those aren't available, En Francais.

I already have both but only Canvas is in - which is why I was specific about my choice of three stamps.

[Christy S.]

I heart my Paisley background...I like using it tone-on-tone for a more subtle effect, like using Groovy Guava ink on Groovy Guava paper. I also did a card once that I stamped Paisley in Tempting Turquoise on Certainly Celery paper and loved that. However, if that one just doesn't grab you, I'd go with En Francais. It's classic--easy to layer on other backgrounds and always makes things look elegant.

[craftygirl04]

I didn't vote for any of them because I think Linen is the best. If you could get that BG stamp you should. It is very versatile and can take a lot of papers from too bright to just the right shade (just by stamping linen on top).

[craftygirl04]

Oops, I guess I should have read all the posts. Well, then I choose En Francais.

[Gem]

I voted En Francais because the stamps you're ordering seem to be a more elegant style. But depending on what else you already have in your stamp collection, one of the others may be better.

I find it interesting that your catalogue is so much different than ours. The Canadian one seems to be the same as the U.S. one other than a few of them being offered in French and of course the infamous price difference. Wonder why it's different in the UK?

[Bagpuss]

It different because it's the first one. They're launching tentatively, as they did in Australia. Oz's first catalogue had around 90 pages, like ours does - but I notice now they're up to 150-odd. A friend told me she'd heard that SU were hoping to get all catalogues in synch by 2009. But you can't blame them for taking it slowly in a new market.

[Bagpuss]

Oh, and by the way folks, thanks for the input. I've chosen....

drum roll....

En Francais!

Like Gem says, it goes well with my other choices. I have lots of SU stamps but have backgrounds that will go with those, too. I'm trying to stock up on elegant sets with my starter kit, as I'm not normally drawn to them. This way I'll have a more rounded collection and be able to offer a wider variety of styles.

[Bagpuss]

Oops, that little Frenchman isn't making a rude gesture is he? "oops" I thought he was just a cute little Frenchman! :o